Leading in the age of AI

About the conference

This February 25-26, The New York Times will convene powerful leaders at its annual New Work Summit to assess the opportunities and risks that are now emerging as artificial intelligence accelerates its transformation across industries.

In provocative discussions with celebrated visionaries – top venture capitalists, C.E.O.s, policymakers, entrepreneurs, social scientists and others – senior Times journalists will explore and analyze the technologies driving the greatest change today. Complementing the on-stage discussions, interactive breakout sessions will give attendees the chance to dive deeper into key innovations and apply them to the organizations they lead.

This unique annual gathering will once again take place in the spectacular setting of Half Moon Bay, California.

Agenda

Day 01

Monday, February 25, 2019

12:00 PM

Registration Opens

2:00 PM

Your AI Strategy Needs a People Strategy

Digital technologies are transforming the way we do business, but it takes more than technology to unlock new sources of value — it requires revolutionizing the way we work. New skill sets and mind-sets are needed at every level, from C.E.O.s to frontline managers. Transformations call for a holistic and human-centric approach to make changes stick.

Artificial intelligence is poised to transform organizations of all sizes, by accelerating growth and expanding the possibilities for innovation. While many companies are looking forward to leveraging the latest advancements in AI and intelligent computing, many are still uncovering how to use this technology in an ethical and compliant way. What does the larger discussion surrounding "ethical AI" mean to enterprise customers? What guardrails need to be in place to protect employees, organizations and partners? How can organizations leverage advancements in technology and not stifle creativity and teamwork?

Anton Andrews, Head of Envisioning, Modern Work and Life, MicrosoftErica Keswin, Workplace Strategist and Founder, The Spaghetti Project
In conversation with Anka Twum-Baah, Senior Director, Microsoft 365 Enterprise Marketing

This session is sponsored by Microsoft.

5:00 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Ocean Lawn

6:30 PM

Opening Dinner and Program

Ritz-Carlton Ballroom

6:30 PM

Welcome Remarks

Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., Chairman, The New York Times Company

6:35 PM

Leading in the Age of AI

Rebecca Blumenstein, Deputy Managing Editor, The New York Times

David Gelles, Corner Office Columnist, The New York Times

7:45 PM

In the Picture

Snap captured the attention of younger social media users with its disappearing photo and video app. What will it take to keep them engaged? Snap’s Co-Founder and C.E.O. shares his outlook for his company and the beleaguered social media industry.

Evan Spiegel, Co-Founder and C.E.O., Snap Inc.

In conversation with Rebecca Blumenstein, Deputy Managing Editor, The New York Times

8:40 PM

Can Technology Save the World (Before It Destroys It)?

How can AI bring out the best in humanity? The head of Silicon Valley’s leading seed accelerator talks about safe AI, his team’s moonshot investments and a greater vision of tech for good.

In conversation with Kara Swisher, Contributing Opinion Writer, The New York Times

9:15 PM

Nightcaps by the Fireplace

Terrace

Day 02

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

6:45 AM

Morning Run

Join Deputy Managing Editor Rebecca Blumenstein for a 4-mile morning jog around the scenic grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Connect with fellow attendees as you get your morning workout in while watching the sunrise over the Pacific.

8:00 AM

Breakfast

Networking Lounge and Terrace

9:00 AM

Introductory Remarks

Mark Thompson, President and C.E.O., The New York Times Company

Ritz-Carlton Ballroom

9:05 AM

Facing the Future

What can a four-decade-old tech giant teach its younger cohorts about navigating Washington and the industry’s thorniest issues? Microsoft’s president discusses his company’s lessons from the past, and its aggressive strategy for tackling current challenges such as privacy, bias, data governance and government contracts.

Brad Smith, President, Microsoft

In conversation with David Gelles

9:30 AM

Rethinking Tech

Once the embodiment of American genius, Silicon Valley is now accused of swaying elections, perpetuating our worst biases, sharing our secrets and even making us dumber. From social media for teenagers to predictive policing in the criminal justice system, what might their fixes actually look like, and how do we get there?

In conversation with Nellie Bowles, Technology Correspondent, The New York Times

9:55 AM

Making the Grade

Presentation by:

Cindy Mi, Founder and C.E.O., VIPKid

10:05 AM

The Macro Impact of AI

From global trade disputes to upended labor markets, artificial intelligence is raising increasingly urgent policy challenges. What role will technology such as AI play in the economic and geopolitical landscape of 2020 and beyond? A world-renowned economist offers his insights.

Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Eliot University Professor and President Emeritus, Harvard University and 71st Secretary of the Treasury

In conversation with Pui-Wing Tam, Technology Editor, The New York Times

10:30 AM

Refreshment Break

Networking Lounge and Terrace

11:00 AM

Talking Shop

Consumers seem to want it all: limitless choice, affordable prices, stress-free shopping — all with a personal touch. How is tech such as AI, robotics and blockchain helping retailers source, manage and deliver the flow of goods consumers are demanding? Are the tradeoffs for these innovations diminished consumer privacy and massive worker layoffs? Two industry leaders weigh in.

Despite a long history in defense innovation, there is growing debate over collaborating with the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies. Should Silicon Valley partner with the government to advance key national interests? What’s at risk if it doesn’t?

In conversation with Kevin Roose, Technology Columnist, The New York Times

12:00 PM

Ethical AI Working Groups

Innovators and subject-matter experts will lead intensive, interactive working groups with attendees. The goal is to develop framework for the ethical implementation of AI, to be published in a special section of The New York Times. Participants will explore the ethical and social issues surrounding artificial intelligence, identify their biggest risks, and recommend potential remedies for public and private stakeholders.

Pre-registration is required.

1:10 PM

Lunch

Navio Restaurant

2:15 PM

Controlled Chaos

In a hyperconnected, globalized world fueled by competition in AI, the pressure to scale startups is greater than ever. How can leaders take risks and move fast without losing sight of longer-term, unintended consequences? The LinkedIn co-founder and venture capital investor shares insights from his experiences building the professional social network and other notable companies.

Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder, LinkedIn and Partner, Greylock Partners

In conversation with Rebecca Blumenstein

2:40 PM

Emotional Intelligence

Presentation by:

Rana el Kaliouby, Co-Founder and C.E.O., Affectiva

2:50 PM

Alexa, What’s in Your Future?

Millions of Americans are using smart speakers to order groceries, play music, dim the lights, and other daily tasks. But will they ever become as essential as the smartphone? Amazon’s hardware chief shares his strategy for “Alexa everywhere,” protecting user privacy, and pushing the limits of AI-powered ambient computing.

This year high-speed 5G wireless networks will be deployed in a number of U.S. cities, promising downloads 20 times faster than current networks. Deemed critical to national security, 5G is considered key to unlocking AI’s full potential. From driverless cars and smart cities to telemedicine, will 5G and AI help each other live up to their promise? What kind of ethical guardrails might be needed?

John Donovan, C.E.O., AT&T Communications

Sebastian Thrun, C.E.O., Kitty Hawk

Kent Walker, S.V.P., Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, Google

In conversation with Cade Metz, Technology Correspondent, The New York Times

4:25 PM

Leading in a Reshaped World

Presentation by:

Dov Seidman, Founder and C.E.O., LRN

4:35 PM

Cutting Through the Hype

Where is AI adding value? Where is its importance overplayed? And critically — for public companies and those coming to market — where can it help drive returns for investors? Two executives at the center of it all share their perspectives on the future of AI and the leadership skills necessary to make the most of such transformative innovations.

Adena Friedman, President and C.E.O., Nasdaq, Inc.

Deep Nishar, Senior Managing Partner, SoftBank Vision Fund

In conversation with David Gelles

5:00 PM

Conference Wrap-Up

Rebecca Blumenstein

5:05 PM

Closing Cocktail Reception

Ocean Lawn

6:00 PM

Sponsored Dinners

By invitation.

CONFERENCE VENUE

Ritz-Carlton /

Half Moon Bay

1 Miramontes Point Raod, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Watch 2019 Panel Sessions

In the Picture with Evan Spiegel, Co-Founder and C.E.O., Snap Inc. In conversation with Rebecca Blumenstein, Deputy Managing Editor, The New York Times

Can Technology Save the World (Before It Destroys It)? with Sam Altman, Co-Founder and Chairman, OpenAI, and President, Y Combinator. In conversation with Kara Swisher, Contributing Opinion Writer, The New York Times